Winger Theo Walcott admits points are now the priority as Everton bid to stave off a fresh threat of relegation this season.

Manager Sam Allardyce’s first month in charge appeared to have been successful as he guided the Toffees away from the bottom three, but a run of just one win from their last eight league matches has left them looking over their shoulders once again.

Saturday’s 14th-placed visitors Crystal Palace, who had their own relegation worries earlier in the campaign, can reduce Everton’s advantage over them to just one point with a win at Goodison Park.

That is why Walcott is so keen for the form to pick up, especially after last weekend’s 5-1 mauling at his former club Arsenal.

“Results will change, I am sure of it,” he told evertonfc.com.

“We need to make sure we are ready and focused for the weekend because we need to start getting some more points in order to be more comfortable.”

Walcott puts great faith in Allardyce, the man who brought him to Goodison in a £20million move last month, and believes the manager is having a positive impact on him.

“I had that short stint with Sam with England, and to see it now every day, the way the intensity of training is and how demanding it is, has been great,” added the 28-year-old.

“I like to go into training every day and try to be better than the day before.

“Sam was one of the main reasons why I came to the club. I wanted a manager like that who could get the best out of me.

“He is eager to turn results around. There have been a few recent results like getting the draw against West Brom and then beating Leicester where we have seen improved performances but I have come here to push Everton on.

“I want to improve the team and anything I can do to help, I will do so.”